Mangaluru Man Loses Over Rs 2.4 Lakh in Elaborate Food Delivery Franchise Scam
In a distressing incident highlighting the risks of online fraud, a 25-year-old man from Mangaluru was allegedly cheated of more than Rs 2.4 lakh after criminals impersonated officials of a prominent food delivery platform. The scam revolved around a fake quick commerce service franchise offer, exploiting the victim's trust and aspirations for business ownership.
How the Scam Unfolded: A Timeline of Deception
The complainant, whose identity has been withheld, stated that he applied for a franchise through a website approximately one and a half months ago. On March 13, he received a call from an individual who introduced himself as Bauthik Goswami, claiming to be a relationship manager for the platform. Goswami informed the man that his franchise application had been approved, setting the stage for the fraudulent scheme.
Believing the claim to be genuine, the victim followed instructions to send personal documents, including his Aadhaar card, PAN details, ITR information, and shop-related documents, to a specified email ID. This initial step was designed to build credibility and extract sensitive data.
Financial Demands and Transfers
Subsequently, the fraudsters escalated their demands. First, they asked for a registration fee of Rs 69,999, which the complainant transferred to a bank account under the name of Sujit Kumar. Just three days later, on March 16, they further demanded Rs 1.7 lakh as system or software charges. The victim complied, transferring this amount to another account held by Rahul Kumar.
Discovery of the Fraud
The scam came to light when the complainant's friend decided to verify the details directly with the food delivery platform's office in Mangaluru. It was confirmed that neither the caller, Bauthik Goswami, nor the email ID used for communication had any association with the legitimate company. This revelation exposed the entire operation as a sophisticated hoax.
Realising he had been cheated, the victim promptly approached the authorities. A formal case has been registered at the Surathkal police station, and an investigation is underway to track down the perpetrators and recover the lost funds.
Broader Implications and Warnings
This incident underscores the growing threat of cybercrime in India, particularly schemes targeting individuals seeking business opportunities in the booming quick commerce and food delivery sectors. Experts advise caution when dealing with unsolicited offers and emphasize the importance of verifying credentials directly through official channels.
Always cross-check contact details and avoid sharing personal or financial information without thorough due diligence. The Surathkal police are urging the public to report similar suspicious activities to prevent further victimization.
